Myles Standish State Forest offers equestrian camping options within 45 miles of Boston, Massachusetts. The forest contains over 12,000 acres of protected woodlands with flat terrain consisting mainly of pine forests and cranberry bogs. Charge Pond Campground maintains a dedicated section for horse campers where sites can accommodate horses, trailers, and camping equipment without needing to trailer between camping and riding locations.
What to do
Trail riding on bridle paths: Myles Standish State Forest maintains trails specifically designated for horseback riding that connect with the campground areas. As one visitor notes, "We stay in the charge pond area which is a smaller pond but nice and clean. There are bbqs, tables and bathrooms at the pond. The sites are large and shady but don't have water or electric."
Kettle pond swimming: The forest contains several spring-fed ponds where campers can cool off. A visitor to Charge Pond Campground mentioned, "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds. The dept. of conservation and recreation drives around several times a day in case you have any issues."
Biking near horse trails: The network of trails includes options for both equestrians and cyclists. A cyclist noted, "Great camping spot to road ride from. Nice park. Good access to surrounding New England towns." The paved trails create alternatives for non-equestrians traveling with horse owners.
What campers like
Spacious equestrian sites: The horse-friendly campsites provide room for both equipment and animals. At Normandy Farms Campground, "Campsites are big and well spaced. Bathrooms are best of any campground," according to one visitor, making it suitable for horse owners needing extra space.
Quiet weekday visits: For equestrians seeking less crowded trail conditions, timing matters. One camper observed about Myles Standish, "The one thing you may notice is that if you stay on a Friday or Saturday night, the campground may be to capacity, like it was when we stayed. But the Sunday, and Monday nights, the 7 closest spots to us were empty, it was like having the woods to ourselves."
Close proximity to Boston: The accessibility of equestrian camping options makes them popular for urban residents. At Ponkapoag Camp, a visitor shared, "Ponky is a hidden gem! Minutes from Boston, feels Miles away." This makes it possible for horse owners to reach suitable trails without long-distance trailering.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most horse camping facilities operate on a limited schedule. One camper noted of Myles Standish, "The camping season runs from mid-May through late September, with reservations required, especially for weekend stays."
Primitive conditions at some sites: Not all equestrian-friendly campgrounds offer full services. A Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park visitor mentioned, "The water and electric were between our site and the next on one side and sewer between our site and the one on the other side. This made it difficult to place our trailer on the slanted site and reach all services."
Alcohol restrictions: Some state facilities prohibit alcohol. A camper at Myles Standish noted, "When you are sitting by the campfire, sometimes, chilling with a beer or another adult beverage is nice. Not in Massachusetts State Parks. No alcohol allowed."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with amenities: Facilities that accommodate both horses and children provide the best family experience. At Normandy Farms, a visitor reported, "Family friendly. Staff is nice. Campsites are big and well spaced. Bathrooms are best of any campground."
Consider cabins for mixed groups: For families with non-riders, cabins provide comfort while still accessing equestrian facilities. At Ponkapoag Camp, "Each cabin has between 2-6 beds. The mattresses in our large cabin were brand new dorm style mattresses, which were slippery but comfortable."
Plan around pond activities: Water features enhance the camping experience when not riding. One camper reported about Charge Pond, "We also enjoyed the various kettle ponds. We kayaked one morning and enjoyed watching the people catching good sized fish around us. The beach had a nice sandy section and a bathhouse."
Tips for RVers
Select appropriate equestrian sites: Not all horse camping areas accommodate larger rigs. A visitor to Myles Standish State Forest noted, "Some spots run closer to main road than others so you can hear the cars go by. Nice ponds. Decent place. Some sites are on slight inclines and have a lot of roots so it makes having more than one tent hard."
Verify dump station locations: Horse trailer/RV combinations require planning for waste disposal. According to one camper, "The campground doesn't have hook ups, but there is a dump station with water and water available around the loops."
Check reservation requirements: Horse campgrounds near Boston fill quickly during peak seasons. A visitor shared, "I was surprised that it was fairly quiet and not busier on a holiday weekend. We felt most people respected quiet hours and there were even empty sites in our loop."
